While walking, you may use your normalassistive rig, like a cane or a walker.
The total distance that you walk during the six-minute walk test is your score.
Where It Can Be Done
The 6MWT can be administered anywhere.
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Its often used in hospital physical therapy controls, but it can also be used in an outpatient clinic.
The test is often used as a functional outcome measure incardiac rehabilitation programs.
Youll repeat as necessary during the six-minute test, making sure to measure your total distance.
The 6MWT has been found to be a very reliable test when used for many different patient populations.
How Often Should the 6MWT Be Done?
Your physical therapist will likely perform the 6MWT when you first start physical therapy during the initial evaluation.
Use the information to adjust your rehab goals and methods.
Perhaps you simply need to make some adjustments in your PT program to see improvement in your score.
Endurance exercise can help you improve the way you walk and the amount you’re free to walk.
And walking is likely the best one of these to choose.
Matos Casano HA, Anjum F.Six-minute walk test.
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
